Pope Francis puts the Vatican up for sale

Determined to fulfill his ambition to 'see a church that is poor and is for the poor' Pope Francis has decided to sell off the Vatican, St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

'It's an interesting portfolio,' said a spokesman for Rome estate agents Giovanni and Massimo, 'which is already attracting some interest from first time buyers looking for a central Rome property in good decorative order and with good views'.

St Peter's Basilica is described in the agency's brochure as 'an interesting detached property boasting a balcony with fine views over the Square and with the possibility of a conservatory extension. Heating is by a recently installed stove.'

The Sistine Chapel is described as 'spaciously deceptive in need of some decoration.'

Pope Francis move into the property market has raised some Catholic eyebrows but the sale is expected to raise enough money to lift half the World's poor out of poverty.

A substantial offer for St Peter's has already been received by Giovanni and Massimo from a Mr Tony Blair.